3500 years ago, the city of Troy burned as its Greek besiegers entered the city in a wooden horse and finally ended the long decade long Trojan War. Now the ruins of Troy are a Turkish archaeological treasure located not far from the seaport of Cannakale on the southern coast of the narrowest part of the Dardanelles. Cannakale is also the site of the infamous Gallipoli campaign during World War I, subsequently marked by memorials built in honour of the Turkish soldiers (Monument of Martyrs) as well as the allied forces. Anzac Cove pinpoints Australia and New Zealand’s historical foray into separate nationhood and can be covered in a day visit along with the battlefield of Suvla Bay.
Whilst Troy is 30km away from the main city, the rest of the must see attractions, the Archeological Museum, The Naval Museum and the Cimenlik Castle built in 1461 by the Ottomans are within walking distance and offer insightful glimpses into the Turkish port’s history; some ancient and some not so old!